Nov 20, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) stands on the field before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: Carolina Panthers at Baltimore Ravens
The Carolina Panthers are expected to waive quarterback Baker Mayfield, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports.
Wow. The Panthers acquired Mayfield from the Browns in July in exchange for a fifth-round pick. They also agreed to take in $5 million in salary. With Carolina’s season over and Mayfield set to become a free agent in 2023, the team decided to part ways few months early.
Ironically, this could be good timing for Mayfield with the 49ers losing Jimmy Garoppolo to a season-ending injury. While third-string QB Brock Purdy played well for San Francisco, it’s hard to envision the team wanting to ride-and-die with Mr. Irrelevant down the stretch. The only problem, Mayfield is simply a name at the point of his career. He currently ranks dead last in EPA per play, while ranking 31st in QBR. He has show zero signs of improvements since leading the Browns the playoffs in 2020.
According to Jeremy Fowler, Mayfield’s release was a “mutual agreement” initiated by Mayfield, who was aware he was no longer a part of the Panthers’ plans.
Mayfield will find another job in the NFL, but it’s almost guaranteed to be as a clipboard holder. He will go down as one of the league’s worst first overall picks of all time.
